6 cheap restaurants in Cusco
Cusco is a tourist destination available for all types of prices and experiences. Tourists who want an A-1 service can hire luxury hotels, all-inclusive trains and the best restaurants in the city. Tourists who want a lower-budget experience can choose one of the seven affordable restaurants we present below.
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San Pedro market
The San Pedro market is the oldest supply center in the city of Cusco. Its origins date back to 1925. Its design was commissioned by the French architect Gustave Eiffel. It consists of 1180 stores dedicated to the trade of food, meals (restaurants), jewelry, textiles and of course meals.
The restaurant stalls at the San Pedro market are located at the back of the large premises. The most recommended dishes are the head soups, the stuffed causa or the acclaimed ceviche. Costs may vary from position to position. However, the average cost is 8 soles per menu (starter and main course). The most requested dishes are fried foods, hamburgers, soups and, of course, ceviche.
- Location: 10 minutes walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco (in front of the square and church of San Pedro).
- Average cost: 3 dollars per menu (8 Peruvian soles).
San Blas market
San Blas is one of the most famous public spaces in Cusco. It is also known as the ‘Balcony of Cusco’ because it is in the upper part of the city center, with beautiful views of its streets and mountains. It is also known as the ‘Artisans’ Quarter’ because the workshops of acclaimed artisans such as the Olave, Mérida and Mendívil families are located there.
The San Blas market is located just a few steps from the square of the same name. Although small, it has several food stalls with the best of Peruvian cuisine: causa stuffed, lomo saltado, ají de gallina and even ceviche. The costs are the same as in the San Pedro market. There are also juice, coffee and dessert stands.
- Location: Calle Pumapaccha 231, San Blas – Cusco (a few steps from the San Blas square).
- Average cost: 3 dollars per menu (8 Peruvian soles).
The Green Point in Cusco
Green Point is one of the most requested restaurants in Cusco by lovers of vegetarian and vegan food. It is located in the historic center of the city, just a few steps from the Plaza de San Blas neighborhood. It has a spacious and cozy place, with themes of caring for the environment and meditation.
The Green Point restaurant offers the best of appetizers, salads, soups, snacks and main dishes. Highlights: the Cusco grill, salted noodles, vegan saltado, mushroom ceviche, individual samosas and more. The costs are low compared to other tourist restaurants of similar quality. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm.
- Location: Calle Carmen Bajo 235 – Cusco (San Blas neighborhood).
- Average cost: Main dishes $10 (35 Peruvian soles) / starters $6 (22 Peruvian soles).
Restaurants around Plaza San Francisco
Plaza San Francisco is one of the largest and most central in the city. It is located just 450 meters walk from the Plaza de Armas of Cusco. It owes its name to the fact that in front of it is the Church of San Francisco. Around this square there are cheap restaurants and food stalls.
Among the dishes that you can find around Plaza San Francisco, the following stand out: lomo saltado, ají de gallina, ceviche and more. Likewise, you can enjoy food stalls where you can drink the emollient, taste the stuffed potato and more. Or eat the crispy grilled chicken, one of the favorite dishes of all Peruvians.
- Location: Plaza San Francisco s/n, Cusco (450 meters from the Plaza de Armas).
- Average cost: 4 dollars per menu (15 Peruvian soles).
La Valeriana cafe in Cusco
La Valeriana is one of the most famous cafes in Cusco, not only for its exquisite dishes but also for its affordable prices. In the ‘Capital of the Incas’ there are two locations, both in the historic center of the city (and one location in the city of Arequipa). One location is in front of the Coricancha temple while the other is in front of the colonial Church of La Merced.
La Valeriana’s dishes stand out for their good quality at fair prices. Coffees (expresso, cappuccino, mocha, macciato, etc.) cost between 2 to 3 US dollars. Their desserts have similar prices. There you can also enjoy juices, lemonades, wines, beers, snacks, fruits and more. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday from 11.30 am to 3 pm.
- Location: Avenida El Sol 576 (in front of Coricancha) and at Espinar 184 (in front of the La Merced church).
- Average cost: Coffees cost between 2 to 3 US dollars. Desserts have similar costs.
The street market in Machu Picchu pueblo
Machu Picchu town, also called Aguas Calientes, is the closest urban center to the archaeological site of Machupicchu (it is only 8 kilometers on foot or 10 kilometers by bus). The town has dozens of tourist restaurants. However, the cheapest place to eat is the food market, located a few steps from its main square.
The food market is famous for offering breakfast and lunch (not dinner). The menus cost only 10 Peruvian soles (approximately $3). It offers the best of Peruvian cuisine: lomo saltado, ceviche, fried trout, ají de gallina and more. In the mornings it also offers juices, soups and more. The food court is on the second floor. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 6 am to 5 pm.
- Location: A few steps from the Main Plaza of Machu Picchu town.
- Average cost: 3 dollars per menu (10 Peruvian soles).
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